Houston Wrongful Death Attorneys
Houston Wrongful Death Attorney
In your darkest days of grief, we want you to know you have a friend in the wrongful death lawyers at the Gustin Law Firm PLLC.
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Charlie Gustin and his team were truly exceptional. Charlie went above and beyond to protect our interests, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication.
- Francis T.
When the death of a loved one is caused by someone else’s negligent or careless actions, your grief is mixed with and may be eclipsed by anger. Your mind is flooded with questions like “Why and how did this happen?”
We understand that nothing can bring back your loved one or erase your loss. But we are committed to doing all we can to find any legal remedy to ease your suffering. When negligent people cause personal injury or death to others, Attorney Charlie Gustin and his team seek justice for those who are dealing with the loss. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Based in Houston, TX, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of families throughout Pasadena, League City, Pearland, and the surrounding communities.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Wrongful death claims can be filed by certain members of the deceased person’s family. Those who can file a wrongful death action in Texas include the following surviving family members:
Immediate family members, including a spouse, parents, or children.
Adopted children, if the adoption was finalized
Adoptive parents, if the adoption was finalized
Under Texas law, the siblings of the decedent do not have any legal rights to file a wrongful death claim. Those who are granted the right to file a wrongful death suit can file as individuals or file collectively as a family, but siblings are not allowed to be part of the claim.
Wrongful Death in Texas
Texas law defines wrongful death as a death that is “caused by the wrongful act, carelessness, unskillfulness, neglect, or default of another person or corporation.” Under this law, a wrongful death claim can be filed by families of those who have been killed because of:
Accidents cause by a drunk driver
Car wrecks caused by distracted driving
18-wheeler and commercial vehicle accidents
Nursing home abuse or neglect
Accidents caused by unsafe or defective products
Landlord negligence resulting in unsafe property
Wrongful Death Compensation
FOR SURVIVING FAMILIES
A wrongful death suit is similar to a personal injury lawsuit that the injured person might have filed had they survived. Many of the kinds of compensation that would have been available to them are available to the surviving family, with some others provided under Texas wrongful death laws.
Lost Wages
Lost wages that the decedent would have earned throughout their lifetime.
Inheritance
Lost inheritance for what might have been available had the decedent lived out their full life.
Mental Anguish
Mental anguish caused by the loss of the family member or loved one.
Care and Support
Lost of the guidance, care, and support that the decedent provided.
Household Services
Lost household services that the decedent would have provided.
Lost Companionship
Loss of the love and companionship the family member would have provided.
Texas law also provides for damages that the decedent might have collected had they survived. These include:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses incurred while trying to save the decedent’s life.
Other Expenses
Funeral and burial expenses.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain and mental anguish that the decedent suffered prior to their death.
Additional Compensation
In cases where the death was caused by willful or gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded. In these instances, the money awarded is not intended to compensate the family but to punish the person or persons responsible for the death.
A lawyer for wrongful death lawsuits can help you determine how much compensation may be available for your family and whether punitive damages might apply.
If you have recently lost a loved one due to negligence, you may qualify to file a lawsuit. Contact a wrongful death attorney at the Gustin Law Firm today. We will discuss the facts about your case and review your legal options.
Here For You
A wrongful death attorney can help
While grieving loved ones are processing their loss, they may not be thinking about all of the financial complications that come from the death of their family member. That is part of an attorney’s job.
The Gustin Law Firm serves the greater Houston area and can help you achieve justice for your family member who was killed by another’s negligence. We will also fight for compensation to help you have what you need to grieve your loss without worrying about your finances.
Investigations
Thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your loved one's death.
Gathering Evidence
Compiling evidence that will prove negligence and strengthen your claim.
Handling Insurance Companies
Reviewing all of the relevant insurance policies that may provide compensation and negotiating with the insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Litigating if Necessary
Litigating your case in a courtroom if insurance companies are not willing to negotiate in good faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Wrongful Death Claims
Talk to a lawyer
Contact us for your free consultation. There is hope for tomorrow.
Watching the great Texas sunrise reflecting off the Houston skyline is magnificent. Houston has many places, like Armand Bayou or the Cullen Sculpture Garden, where watching the sun come up over the horizon inspires hope for the new day. Feeling this hope is hard when you’ve lost a loved one. It can feel like the sun is only rising for others.
But hope and healing can be found for you and your family. Don’t settle for a law firm that will not be on your side. The Gustin Law Firm would be thankful for the opportunity to provide compassionate care for your family, coupled with vigorous legal representation for your loved one.